What America Thinks: Is There Still A Place for Unions?
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The United States has a long history with labor unions, and many of the workplace protections we all enjoy are the result of past actions by organized labor. But what does America think about labor unions these days?

One-in-three Americans say they have been a member of a labor union at some point in their lives. But while 44% view unions favorably, 45% share an unfavorable opinion of them.

A sizable majority of voters believes labor leaders are out of touch with their rank-and-file membership. Fifty percent (50%) think labor unions have too much political influence.

Americans have decidedly mixed feelings about public employee unions like those that represent teachers and policemen. Those unions are in the news this week for threatening legislators in New Jersey who refuse to make striking union workers eligible for unemployment benefits. Most voters don’t want that arrangement in their state.

But Americans also aren’t so sure that right-to-work laws that ban compulsory union dues are good for their state’s economy. Those who live in right-to-work states are more positive about the benefits, though.

For Rasmussen Reports, I’m Alex Boyer. Remember, if it’s in the news, it’s in our polls.